The University of Bradford is celebrating winning a £606,000 funding boost.

The University will use the money, part of £5 million of science awards from the Department of Trade & Industry, to set up a new dedicated business liaison service.

Bradford Hospitals NHS Trust also received a windfall in the regional payout. It is one of five trusts to benefit from a £220,000 grant aimed at helping the Health Service profit from its own innovations.

Head of the university's business services and regional development department, Ian Rowe, said: "The days when universities were simply about learning and research are gone.

"We how have to account for our impact in the region and have a vital role to play in the development of Bradford and the surrounding area.

"We are determined that both the university and Bradford will succeed, and gaining these funds is an essential part of that process."

The university plans to set up a professionally staffed 'business gateway' as a single point of contact for businesses seeking to make the most of its resources.

Mr Rowe said the cash would also pay for a team of business specialists to be recruited to work on mutually beneficial projects with local companies.